PSA jump advice

User

Posted 16 Oct 2024 at 14:11

Hi all,

My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer a few years ago but the doctor told him for his type that active surveillance was the best option, since then his PSA level has stayed pretty consistently around 7. However, last week when he had his PSA checked it is now at 9.38, after being at 7 in April 2024. The doctor has said he will have to have an MRI and a biopsy to check what's going on but I am so anxious and am finding it very difficult to deal with the worry especially as the doctor said it will be 4-5 weeks before he can have the MRI. I am wondering if anybody has any idea of what this jump might signify? I am just driving myself crazy thinking that the cancer has spread or some other worrying outcome. Thanks so much for any help!

User

Posted 16 Oct 2024 at 14:28

Hello.

I'm sorry that you've had to find us, but it's lovely to see that you care enough about your dad to join. Welcome to the forum.

There are other non cancerous prostate conditions that can cause a PSA rise. Try not to worry about a 4 or 5 week wait for an MRI, it shouldn't cause any problem.

How old is your dad? Do you know if he's had a previous MRI scan and prostate biopsy?

User

Posted 16 Oct 2024 at 14:36

Thanks for your reply Adrian. My dad is 73, he did have the MRI and biopsy before when he was initially diagnosed, I am not sure of his Gleason score to be honest I am not even sure if we were ever told what it was the doctor just recommended the surveillance as the best option for Dad. At his appointment this week the doctor done the rectal exam and said everything seemed fine but they are going to do the MRI and biopsy just to see why the PSA has increased, I am extremely close to my dad so any hint that things are getting worse with his diagnosis really sends me into a panic, I am struggling to concentrate at work and am crying a lot so just the thoughts of another 4-5 weeks of this will be hard for me even though I know everyone is in the same boat who has to wait for these kinds of tests! Thank you for your reassurance!

User

Posted 16 Oct 2024 at 18:58

The rectal finger exam, is only any use, if the Tumours are on that side of the Prostate - I had about 4 or 5 fingers - "Nothing wrong" they said, before a PSA test of 27, made them look deeper - I suspect, he probably has tumours on the opposite side like mine.

The MRI should give them an idea, it will probably be followed by Biopsies. Mine was.

It does sound like a "slow-grower" like mine.

Mine was sorted out with Hormone & Radio therapy. I'm still here 5 years later ! So I guess it worked. HT & RT takes time, but it's not invasive.

Wish Dad All the best & not to worry. There are some wonderful treatments available.

User

Posted 17 Oct 2024 at 07:02

Thank you so much for the reassurance! Wishing you continued good health!

User

Posted 17 Oct 2024 at 08:37

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

The rectal finger exam, is only any use, if the Tumours are on that side of the Prostate - I had about 4 or 5 fingers -

Not all at once, I hope, Bob. That would be stretching things.

Joking apart. Drumrahill123. If your dad was diagnosed a few years ago with PSA 7 and it has remained relatively stable, this slight jump maybe be just a blip.

It's good that they are doing a follow up MRI and biopsy which will show if it there is anything untoward. If he's been on active surveillance for a few years, he should have already had MRI follow ups and DREs, but at least he's had years of avoiding any side effects of radical treatments.

Good luck with his results.

User

Posted 17 Oct 2024 at 09:07

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

The rectal finger exam, is only any use, if the Tumours are on that side of the Prostate - I had about 4 or 5 fingers -

Not all at once, I hope, Bob. That would be stretching things.

Joking apart. Drumrahill123. If your dad was diagnosed a few years ago with PSA 7 and it has remained relatively stable, this slight jump maybe be just a blip.

Good luck with his results.

LOL no - different Docs, Consultants & "Health Professionals" of all sexes & colours 😋
More about Piles problems.
IN my case, it was lucky I had the test, I had an upset tummy - actually caused by heatstroke - as it turned out, but I mentioned it to the GP Quack, that My father had died from PC, so he included the PSA test with the blanket blood test. I had no real prostate symptoms up to that point.
Thankfully, I just got the RT done & dusted, just before Covid got started.

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